Pittoresken für Streichinstrumente: II. Capricietto canonico [Philip Daniel; 2020]

By PhilipDaniel | Musica Melopoetica | 6 Jul 2022


 

 

 

 

 

Second in a set of "picturesques" for varied combinations of bowed chordophones (string instruments), composed for (necessarily seven-string) viola d'amore and (likewise seven-string) viola da gamba duo. The first section of this work in minuet-and-trio form commences with a largely untroubled three-measure triple-time E♭ major subject (in canonic terms, "dux") in the viola da gamba. The answer ("comes") in viola d'amore departs quite considerably from the initial tonic of E♭ major, sounding instead in C♭ major (enharmonic spelling of B major, the flattened submediant of E♭ major). Moreover, the comes emerges already in a variegated form, its span in measures doubled, the entry of the initial figure and its subsequent transposition delayed for a dotted quarter note's length, as certain note values undergo augmentation in their duration while others remain unvaried in this respect (perhaps creating a sense of unease underneath the surface). It becomes clear that this is no ordinary canon, as the tonal spectrum widens and the polyphony strays from mere imitation into a more dialectical contrapuntal framework. The "minuet" section of the structure proves comparatively short in light of the trio section, with its nominally G♯ minor tonality evincing a heightened dramatic sense, its wide leaps and wandering modulatory scheme, its closer regard for the strictures of canonic imitation, and the pizzicati which prove integral to its subject. Toward the end of the trio section, fragments of the minuet section's subject emerge, leading to an apotheosis largely in open octaves. An incomplete recapitulation of the trio section paves the way for an almost manic finale casting aside any pretense of erudite counterpoint, ending sardonically on an authentic cadence in the opening tonic of E♭ major. The painting in the video is "The Comedian" by James Tissot. You can follow along with the full engraved score here.              

 

 

 

 

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PhilipDaniel
PhilipDaniel

I am a young composer working in a highly personal Late Romantic idiom.


Musica Melopoetica
Musica Melopoetica

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